Parents Charged After Teen Found Living with Dozens of Dead and Neglected Animals

Two South Carolina parents are facing serious charges after allegedly leaving their teenage daughter alone in a home overrun with animal neglect and death while they vacationed in Florida. As reported by WRDW, Union Police responded to a distressing scene on Park Drive, where officers discovered a 17-year-old girl living among both living and deceased animals in filthy conditions.

Inside the house, officials found three dogs and a staggering 39 cats alive. Tragically, several dead cats were also scattered throughout the home. Even more disturbing, 20 additional deceased cats were discovered stuffed into a powerless freezer. The floors were reportedly covered in animal feces, indicating prolonged neglect.

The teen allowed officers into the home after speaking with her mother on the phone. It was then revealed that the girl’s parents—41-year-old Alicia Marie Capps and 34-year-old Justin Bowen Capps—had left her behind while they traveled out of state. Both have been charged with three counts of ill treatment of animals and one count of unlawful neglect of a child. They were each granted a $25,000 bond.

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for animals and children alike. It also shines a light on the horrors of animal hoarding, a form of neglect that too often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

If you ever suspect animal neglect or hoarding in your area, speak up. Animals suffer in silence, and their lives depend on compassionate people taking action. Adopt, don’t shop—and consider volunteering at your local animal rescue to be part of the solution.

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